How To remove & install slings

Of the many brands and styles of patio furniture, installing slings is easier in some than in others. We strongly recommend you look at how your furniture is built before you begin. All “tight slings” are cut narrower than the frame and then tightened to the sling rails to achieve a tight sling.

Step 1: Remove sling rail caps Remove the sling rail caps from the chair. A flat-head screwdriver and a hammer may be required.     Step 2: Remove Bolts from One Side Remove the bolts holding one side of the sling rail to the chair frame. Most manufacturers use a 1/4" x 20 thread bolt; a 7/16" socket or a 3/16" hex head socket is usually effective. Use a ratchet to break the bolts loose, and remove them with a drill socket. (Figure 1)     Step 3: Remove support bars The chair may have support bars. If they are straight, spread the sling rails apart by using a screw clamp that stretches instead of squeezes. If the support bars are curved, pull on the center while pushing on one end of the bar near the sling rail. (Figure 2)     Step 4: Remove the old sling To remove the old sling, pull it through the sling rail. Sometimes a pair of pliers makes this job easier. If the sling will not be used as a pattern, cut it down the middle and remove it. (Figure 3)     Step 5: Install the new sling Insert the sling spline through the sling pockets (one on each side). Starting at the top, insert the sling into the sling rail; slide the sling to the end of the rail. (Figure 4)     Step 6: replace the bolts Lay the chair on its side and replace the bolts using the drill socket. If the bolt does not reach the chair frame, loosen the bolts on the opposite sling rail, then tighten all the bolts. (Figure 5)     Step 7: Finish Complete the Job Re-install the support bars (if any) and cut the excess sling spline (Figure 6). If the support bars are curved, it may be necessary to hit the curve dead center with a rubber mallet to tighten the support bar. (Figure 7) Replace the end caps.

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7